Panel brander



D. L SCHUBERT Jan. 12, 1954 PANEL BRANDER 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 21. 1947 win 70R 00/8 L. Sch/Jeri New m3 ATTORNEYS 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 PANEL BRANDER INVENTOR.

nrromve'ys D. L. 'SCHUBERT Jan. 12, 1954 Filed Nov. 21, 1947 .Da/e Z .Jc/Mberf BY D. L SCHUBERT PANEL -BRANDER Jan. 12, 1954 men Nov. 21, 1947 7 Sheotg-Shut 3 JanQi Z 1954 a. L. SCHUBERT PANEL BRANDER Filed Nov. 21. 1947 1 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 abs H SOS Fig

INVENTOR.

Jar a 12, 1954 0.. L.QSICHUBERTI V PANEL BRANDER 7 Sheets-Shqet '6 Filed Nov. 2i, 1947 I INVENTORS. fla/e Z. Jc/Iz/erf BY v Jan. 12, 1954 D. 1. SCHUBERTQ 2,665,633

PANEL BRANDER Filed Nov. 21, 1947 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTOR.

fi e/e L Saba barf 4 JTTORNEYS Patented Jan 12, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PAN BRANDER Dale- L. Schubert, Tacoma, --Wash., .assignor to Plywood Research Foundation, Tacoma, Wash., a corporation'of Washington Application November 21, 1947 Seria'l'No'. 7 87,395

My invention relates to a panel branderand stacker. By way of illustration and not as a limitation, my invention will be described in connection with a brander and stacker for plywood panels.

Heretofore plywoodcpanels were individually branded to indicate various information, such as name of manufacturer, the type of glue employed in bonding the plies of the panel together, and grade. This prior art practice required considerable hand labor and the panels were not uniformly branded. T

It is an object of my invention to provide a brander wherein panels are automatically and uniformly branded.

It is a further object of my invention to provide a brander wherein a stack of panels is elevated and the uppermost panels are consecutively removed and urged'past brander means.

It is an object of my invention to provide adjusting means so that the brander and stacker of my invention can accommodate different size panels as to length, width, and thickness.

It is a further object of my invention to provide elevator means of a character so that one panel at a time is fed through the machine even though the panels of a given size-vary inthickness within commercial tolerances.

It is a further object of my invention to provide a feeder for my brander-stacker of a character so that once the feed is started, the apparatus will continue through a cycle until a stack of panels is exhausted and then-the feedermeans will move to a, position to receive-a new stack of anels It is a further object ofmy invention to provide a stacker so that brandedpanelswill be stacked before delivery from my device.

It is a further object of my invention'to provide for automatic and uniform brandingof the 1 Claim. (01. 101-11) Fig. 2 is a plan view, with parts diagrammatically shownpwith parts broken away,-and with parts omitted of "the-structure shown in Fig.1; ----Fi g. 3 is an elevational view taken substantially on broken line 3 3 of Fig. 2 with parts broken I away;- and with-parts removed; s

Fig. 4 is an elevational view taken substantially; on-broken'line 4-4 ofFig. 2, with parts broken away, with parts removed, and with parts diagrammatically shown;

- Fig. 5is an elevational view taken substanedges of a panel both vertically and longitudinally considered. s

It is a further object of my invention topro vide central control means so that all parts of the device will be adjusted simultaneously for a given dimension such as length, width, or thickness.

The above mentioned generalobjects of my invention, together with others inherent in the same, are attained by the device illustratedin the accompanying drawings throughout which like reference numerals indicate like parts:

Figure 1 is a perspective and somewhat schematic view with many parts omitted to primarily correlate the various mechanisms involved in my invention; s I

tially on broken-line -5 5--of Fig. 2, with parts broken-away, with parts removed, and with parts diagrammatically shown; Y v

"Fig. 6'isa fragmentary-plan view, on a larger scale than Fig. 2 showingparticularly a fragrnent'of thekicker 26and that portion thereof as'appearsin the lower right hand corner of Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 is a-fragmentary side elevational View of parts shownin Fig.6; Fig. 8 is a fragmentary end elevational view taken substantially on broken line 88 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9isa detached plan view, with parts diagrammatically shown, of driving means for the elevator 25 which is'shown to the right of Fig. 4

and to theleft'of 1; I

-1-1-*is a fragmentary andsomewhat diagrammatic view--illustrating an electric circuit which may be employed in controlling the electric motor 6| of 'Figu9 for driving elevator 25;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary plan view, with parts in'section, illustrating particularly the deck of the elevator 25 and some of the associated parts;

1 Fig. 13 is a'fragmentary plan view. illustrating particularly one of the branders suchas one of the branders ofthe first brander 30;

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary side elevational view 'of structure shown in Fig. 13; Fig.='15 is a fragmentary end elevational view, with parts in section, of parts shown in Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary plan view of parts shown in Fig. 13 and particularly the lower left hand corner. of said Fig. 13;

.- Fig; 17 is a detached fragmentary view of electrical bus members shown in Figs. 14 and 15;

. partsin section, with parts broken away, and with 3 parts diagrammatically shown, of the control mechanism in housing 2 I 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 21 is a fragmentary side elevational view, with parts in section, with parts broken away, and with parts diagrammatically shown of the structure shown in Fig.

Fig. 22 is a sectional view, on a larger scale than Fig. 20, and taken substantially .on broken line 22-22 of Fig. 20; and

Fig. 23 is a diagrammatic view illustrating an electric circuit which may be employed in connection with the stacker 31.

Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings, parts are shown somewhat schematically and other parts are broken away.

This figure functions to correlate the several parts of the invention and hence names of the parts, as well as the general numbers, are'i-ndicated to aid in correlation.

An elevator numbered generally as 25 functions to receive stacks of sheet material, as plywood, and to elevate the stack of sheets so that the sheets can be consecutively removed from the top of the stack. Themeans to consecutively remove the top sheet includes the kicker means numbered generally 26 which has reciprocating means to urge the top sheet sufficiently so that its movement is controlled by the squeeze rolls numbered generally 21. The-squeeze rolls 21 urge a sheet of -material onto :a conveyor means, as chain conveyor numberedgenerally 28. The chain conveyor is provided with cleats 29 thereon to engage the trailing edge of each piece. The conveyor 23 and the kicker means 26 are in timed relation. The control means for the elevator 25 is such as to always present one sheet of material to be urged by the kickermeans 26 on each stroke thereof regardless of the thickness or the other dimensions of the sheets of material in the stack, provided of course that the stack is not exhausted. The conveyor 28 urges eachsheet of material past edge branders which are numbered generally 36. These branders may be termed first brander. The first brander 30 is in timed relation to the chain conveyor 28, and in turn, the cleats 29 thereon, and thus an edge brand will always start in predetermined relation to the trailing edge of a piece of material determined by a dimension, as the width, of said piece of material. Thus, when pieces of material of the same dimension are branded and stacked, the brands will be vertically alined.

fter sheets of material pass the brander 30 they encounter squeeze rolls, numbered generally 3 i, to be delivered onto a direction changer numbered generally 32. The direction changer .32 comprises generally a chain conveyor 33 with slats 34 thereon. The conveyor 33 travels in'timed relation to the conveyor '28 and thus each sheet of material delivered from conveyor 28 to the conveyor 33 will be delivered just previous to the presentation of a slat 34 which will engage one edge of a sheet of material and change the direction of travel thereof as indicated by the arrows.

Next, the sheets of material are urged past a second brander numbered generally 35 and are supported during branding by a belt conveyor numbered generally 36. .For substantially all of theirtravel past the second brander 35, the sheets are consecutivelyurged by slats 34. The conveyor 33 is driven in timed relation to the second brander 35, and'thus as-theslats 34 urge sheets of material past the brander 35, there is a definite relation between'the brands on'the edges of "the sheets 'causedby'the second bran'cler 35 andthe length of the sheets. Thus, when sheets of a common length are stacked, there will be a vertical alinement of the brands caused by the second brander 35.

As sheets are delivered off of conveyor 36, they are stacked by a stacker numbered generally 3i. ter a stack of suitable height :is made, a unit comprising a stack of branded sheet material, as

branded plywood, and numbered generally 38 is "removed from the stacker.

The construction illustrated is provided with several adjustments controlled at a single station and there will be three major adjustments for: first, length of the sheets of material, second,

width of the sheets of material, and third, the

Elevator 25 Parts comprising the elevator 25 are shown in part in perspective in Fig. 1, in part in plan in Fig. -2, in part in elevation to the rightof Fig. 4 and in much greater detail in'Figs. 6 to 12 inclusive.

In the interest of clarity, the main frame 39, for the most part, has been broken away and fragments thereof are shown and numbered. As obviously it is within the knowledge of those skilled in this art to provide'suitable frame means, it is believed that the invention is better illustrated by removing most of the frame means rather than to complicate the drawings by showing the same.

An incoming stack of panels ii] is delivered by suitable means to the elevator 25 as by rotatably mounted infeed rolls 4|. These infeed rolls fii are suitably mounted for rotary movement and are of .a type commonly employed around plywood mills as a conveyor means. The elevator platform :32 is provided with a plurality of openings 43 which are of a size to permit the platform 12 to pass downwardly through rolls 4i and not limit rotary movement of the infeed rolls 4!. Thus, a stack of incoming panels it can be rolled into place above the elevator platform 42 and as the elevator platform 42 rises, it will elevate the stack of panels, as the partial stack 46 shown on the elevator platform 42. The stacks of panels 49 will include individual panels of the same dimension, as 4 x 8 panels. However, they may be of various other sizes as 5' x 12'. Also, the individual panels of a stack 4% may have different thicknesses, such as or In order to get a common location from which adjustment may be made for panels of different lengths and widths, I have selected one corner, as the left forward corner, of the elevator 25, as viewed in Fig. 1, and a stack of panels will be initially located, as partial stack 44, so that the left and advancing edges will abut suitable vertical guides 39 (see Figs. 6, '7, 8 and 12) which may be channel irons and a part of the frame structure 39. The remaining two edge portions of the stack of plywood will locate themselves in accordance with the width and length of the stack.

A means for raising the elevator platform 42 comprises endless chains 45 and a6 shown schematically by dot and dash lines in Figs. 1 and l. At the upper ends the chains 45 and 4B are mountedon driven sprockets .41 and .48.

The sprockets 41 and 48 are respectively mounted on transverse shafts 49 and 50, which extend transversely and across the construction but are broken away in Fig. l in the interest of clarity and they are shownin end elevation in Fig. 4. At thebottom, the chains 45 and 46 are mounted on idler sprockets 5| and 52 which are carried by frame structure 39. The shafts 49 and 50 carry sprockets 53 and 54which mount drive chains 55 and thus shafts 49 and 50 are interconnected. Shaft 50 also carries a sprocket 56 which mounts chain 51 which is connected with a sprocket 58; see Figs. 4 and 9, and in turn with drivenshaft59.

Preferably the means to drive shaft 59 comprises an electric motorwhichdrives the elevator on its upward-travel and which may be released or disengaged from the elevator to permit arapid descent of an unloaded elevator. fMeans toaccomplish this purpose is indicated in Fig. 9 of the drawings, where the shaft 59 is journaled in bearings 66carried by a part of the main frame structure 39. The prime mover is indicated as electric motor 6| connected to any suitable sourceof electricity. The motor 6| has a drive sheave 62 and sheave 62 is connected by a V belt 63 with sheave 64. Sheave 64 is iioatingly mounted on shaft 59 and is rigidly connected with one part 65 of an electrically controlled jaw clutch comprising jaw clutch part 65 and a mating jaw clutch part 66. 7 Referring more particularly to Fig. 10, the solenoid 61 is energized upon energizing of motor 6i,

' as illustrated in the diagrammatic showing of Fig. 11 (hereinafter described). The armature 68 is pivotally connected with one end portion of a bell crank'69, which is pivotally supported by the main frame structure 39. The other end portion of the bell crank 69 terminates in a yoke 19,

which is pivotally connected with a collar means 1 I; which floats in a groove in jaw clutch part 65. The parts and 1| are common clutch throw out means and thus are somewhat diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 10. Uponenergizing of solenoid 61, the jaw clutch parts 65 and 66 are operatively engaged and upon de-energizing of solenoid 61, the tension spring 12 causes the ,jaw parts 65 and 66' tomove out of engagement and thus the jaw part 66 is free to move independent ofthemotor 6|. N Q When the jaw parts 65 and .66 are in engagement, 'rotaryimotion' will be provided from motor 6| to sprocket 13 (Fig. 9) The sprocket 13 is connected with the jaw part 66 and turns therewith. Sprocket 14 is floatingly mounted on shaft and is rigid with another sprocket 16. Sprockets 13 and 14 are. interconnected by chain 11. Sprocket 16 connects with sprocket 18 through chain 19. Sprocket 18 is rigid with sprocket 80 and both float on shaft 59. Sprocket 80 connects with sprocket 8| by way of chain 82. Sprocket 8| and sprocket 83 are connected together and may be rigid with shaft 15 so that journals 64,- connected with frame 39, function as bearings. Sprocket 83 connects with sprocket 85 by way of chain 86. Sprocket 85 is fixed on shaft 59. The various sprockets 13, 14, 16, 18, 88,8I, as, as and chains 11,19, 82 and as are illustrative of a gear reduction means between jaw clutch parts'6566 and shaft 59. The exact speed reduction desired of course will depend upon the motor employed and the desired rate of travel of the elevator. a

When motor 6| and solenoid 61 are de-energized,the clutch parts 65 and 66 will be in the disengaged position, shown inFigs. 9 and 10. At the same time, as the elevator platform. 42 is descending, motion will be imparted to the sprocket 14 as the sprocket 58 (Fig. 9) is connected with sprocket 14 and the sprocket 58 (Fig. 4) is connected with the endless chains 45 and 46 carrying the elevator platform 42. The sprocket carries a governor controlled brake so that the elevator platform 42 may descend at a controlled speed. As illustrative of a governor controlled brake, I have shown a fixed brake'shoe 81 connected with the frame structure 39. A braking disc 88 is operatively disposed'as respects said fixed brake shoe 81 and is floatingly mounted with the sprocket 14 on shaft 15. V Preferablya hub 89 is connected with the braking disc 88. I The hub 89 and the sprocket 14 are splined together to permitrnovement of said parts toward and away from" each other and to relatively fix said parts so faras rotation'is concerned. The movable braking disc 88 is movable toward'and away from the-sprocket 14," and in turn away from and toward fixed brake shoe 81, by means of a centrifugal governor which is illustrated by bell cranks 90 and weights 9|. The speed of rotation of the sprocket 14, and in turn the rate of descent of the elevator platform 42 will be determined by adjustment of the weights 9|. Thus, as long as the circuit of the motor 6|, as will be hereinafter described, is energized, the solenoid 61 will .be energized and jaw parts and'66 will bein engagement. j

A circuit which may be employed to energize motor 6| is illustrated in Fig. 11 of the drawings. In such figure, the motor 6|. is illustrated as'a polyphase motor having a wound stator anda wound rotor. The two clutch parts 65 and 66 are diagrammatically illustrated as being respectively fixed to the shaft of motor 6| and a sheave floating thereon rather than showing all the parts as I illustrated in connection with Fig. 9. Also, the

solenoid 61', bell crank 59, and tension Spring 12,

Next, a fragment of the platform 42 and fragments of .a stack of panels 44 are shown. A

source of "electric energy is indicated by conductors 92, 93 and 94. Energy on conductor 93 passes along conductor 95 and to normally open switch 96. Normally'open switch 96 is carried by the platform 42 and is closed by reason of panels resting thereon. Thus, at all'times when there is a panel on the platform 42 of the elevator 25, the switch 96 will be electrically closed. Energy passing through switch 96 passes along conductor 91 to normally closed switch 98. Switch 98 is the usual stop button employed in industrial circuits. Energy passin through switch 98 is imposed on conductor 99. Switch I86 is the usual starting switch employed in industrial circuits.

In the event that the elevator is loaded so the switch 96 is thus closed, upon momentary closing of switch I09, energy passes from conductor 95 through switch I09, by way of the circuit previously described, and is imposed on conductor I III. Energy on conductor |6| passes through relay I92 and thence to conductor 94, energizing relay I02. Once relay I 92 is energized, energy on conductor 99 will pass along conductor I93 closed position.

7 Upon closing the .multiple switch mechanism I04, conductors I06, I02 and 408 will be energized and the circuit to motor 6| will be energized.

.Conductors I09 and H are connected to con- 'ductors I06 and I01, and energize .solenoid 6? ler H2. The controller H2 maybe of the rotary type and, as indicated, slows down and'eventually stops motor uponclockwise movement. Upon counterclockwise movement, the controller H2 causes motor BI first to start and then to travel r at a gradually increasing speed. The means to control rotary motion of the armature of the controller H2 includes linkage-as sprockets H3 and H4 interconnected by-chain H5. Sprocket I I4 is rotatably mounted on the main frame structure 33 and rigidly supports arm i I5 for rotation with the sprocket H4. Thus, as arm H0 moves in a clockwise direction, the motor BI decreases its speed and may be eventually stopped and upon counterclockwise movement of the arm Hit the motor GI gradually increases its speed to its maximum speed. The arm H3 is operatively positioned above a stack of panels on the elevator platform 42, as indicated by 44, and thus maintains the level of the top of a stack of panels on the platform 42 of the elevator 25, in accordance with predetermined standards. In this connection, it is to be remembered that the kicker '25 operates periodically and it is thus a function of the control mechanism for the elevator 25 to maintain .the top piece of a stack of panels '44,

always present for the kicker 23 to eject horizontally from the stack each time the kicker operates, and this regardless of the thickness of the panel which is being ejected.

' While each panel in a particular stack will have the same thickness, within commercially established standards, yet the construction of my invention is designed to operate upon consecutive stacks of panels wherein the panels of a particular stack have a different thickness than those of another stack.

When the last panel of a particular stack is removed from the elevator platform 42, then switch 96 opens,which de-energizes relay I02 and thus the motor 6i and solenoid 67 are de-energized. Upon de-energizing of solenoid 61, as

hereinbefore explained, the jaw clutch parts 55 and 65 become disengaged and the elevator platform 42 of elevator 25 descends under control of the governor controlled brake comprising fixed brake shoe 81 and braking disc-8B.

After the elevator platform 42 has fully descended, then a stack of panels 40 may be moved inplace which will close switch 96 and the elevator may be started through another complete cycle by momentarily closing the switch I00.

In the foregoing description, I have indicated one means responsive to the elevation of the top surface of a stack of material on the elevator platform 42 to control the elevation of the top of the stack. As it is only necessary to keep the upper surface of the stack at a substantially constant elevation, obviously, dampening means can be employed so that the motor BI is not constantly changing speed, but is operatin at an average speed to maintain the desired results.

Kicker 2 6' Parts comprising the kicker 26 are shownin .Fig. .6, inpart in side elevationin Fig. '7, in part in end elevation in Fig. 8, and in part in plan in Fig. 2.

In this kicker mechanism, means are provided so that only the top panel of a stack'of panels Mi is removed at one time and adjustable means are provided to restrain movement of all panels below the top panel. This adjustable means comprises (see Figs. .6, I and 8) an angle plate Ii'I, which has rods H8 which are slidably mounted in sleeves I I9 carried by'the main frame structure .30. The main frame structure 39 includes a cross frame or plate I20. Preferably'the angle plate H1 and the plate I have mating recesses and tongues I2I and I22 to provide for a continuous support vertically considered for the panels in the stack 44.

The means to provide vertical adjustment of the angle plate I [1 relative to various parts of the main frame structure 30 comprises brackets I23 pivotally connected with threaded sleeves I24. Threaded sleeves i124 threadedly receive screws I25 which are supported by a bearing I26 and are in turn connected with one of two bevel gears I21. The other bevel gear I2! is fixedly mounted on cross shaft I28. Cross shaft I28 is journaled in a bearing provided in an end portion of a bracket I29. The other end portion of the bracket I29 is rigid with cross sleeve I30 which.

extends across the machine and the brackets I29 at either side of the machine are supported for pivotal movement by the sleeve I30 about the shaft I3I as an axis. The sleeve I30 floats on cross shaft 3|.

Sleeve I32 (see also Fig. 2) is turned by means hereinafter described. Sleeve I32 is connected with sprocket I33 and both are floatingly mounted on shaft I34. Sprocket I33 is connected with sprocket I35 by means of chain I36. Sprocket I35 is rigidly mounted on shaft I28 and shaft I23 carries one of the two bevel gears I2'I as previously mentioned.

Turning movement of sleeve I32 is imparted to sprocket I35 and thence through bevel gears I21 to screws i 25. Thus, threaded sleeves I24, and in turn brackets I23, and in turn plate H1, are adjusted vertically. The plate H1 is adjusted to retain panels below the top panel, so that only the top panel can be urged over the top of plate I I7.

Rolls I31 are rotatively mounted 'on shaft I28 and ride on the top panelin the stack. Thus, a slot-like arrangement is provided where the top part of the slot is determined by the rolls i3! and the bottom portion of the slot is determined by the relative adjusted position of plate HI relative to rolls I31. In order that all adjustments for thickness may be brought to a common adjusting screw, the structure just described is employed so that angular movement of sleeve I32 determines the relative spacing between rolls I31 and plate I I1.

As'previously explained, the stack of panels, regardless of'the length andwi'dth-of the stack, is always urged into a predetermined location, as the left forward corner portion of the elevation as viewed in Fig. 2. In such position, the vertical guides 33' will function as guide means for proper positioning of the stack (see Fig. 12). In order that the kicker mechanism may properly urge panels into the squeeze rolls 21 regardless of the widthof the panels, an adjustment must be provided for the stroke of the reciprocating kicker members.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 6,7, and 8,

shafts I38 at each side of the device are each mounted in spaced bearings I39 carried by the main frame structure 39. Each of these shafts I 38 is provided with a threaded portion I48 which threadedly connects with a threaded sleeve I4I. Threaded sleeves I4I carry transverse bracket I42 and. kicker arms I43 are rigidly connected to transverse bracket I42. Each shaft I38 is splined to and is longitudinally movable as respects a bevel gear I44. Thus, bevel gears I44 rotate with their respective shafts I38 but each shaft I38 is longitudinally reciprocable through its bevel gear I44. Each bevel gear I44 is held against movement longitudinally of its shaft I38 by, bevel gears I45 and one of the sleeves I39. In order to impart reciprocating, motion to the shaft I38, each arm I46 has one end portion pivotally connected with shaft I38 and the other end pivoted to crank I41. Each arm I 46 is fixed, against longitudinal movement relative to shaft I38 and is angularly movable thereon. Shaft I48 is a driven shaft and thus rotary motion of shaft I48 will impart longitudinal movement to the shaft I38. As there are paired arms I 46 and cranks I41 at each side of the device, a cross shaft I 49 interconnects the said cranks. I

In order to adjust the stroke of the kicker arms I43 so that the forward edge of the panels will be projected the same distance, regardless of their width, the arms I43 are adjustable longitudinally of the threaded portions I 49 of the shafts I38. The means to provide this adjustment comprises driven shaft I34 and bevel gears I45 and 44. The drive to the shaft I38 to theright of the device is through one of the bevel gears I45 and a bevel The gear I44 which is splined to the shaft I38. drive to the shaft I38 at the left side of the device is through bevel gears I45 and I44, through shaft I3I, and through bevel gears carried byshafts I3I and I38 (at the left side of the device), one

of which bevel gears is numbered I44 as it is carried by, and splined on said shaft '38.

Upon rotation of the shaft I3I in the desired direction, the shafts I38 will be rotated and the relative longitudinalpositions of the sleeves I 4| as respects the shafts I38 will be determined and thus the starting position of the throw of arms I 43 will be adjusted.

The shaft I48 is described as a driven shaft. One means of driving shaft I48 (see Fig; 2) is to provide a sprocket I58 thereon. Sprocket I58 is connected by chain II to sprocket I52. Sprocket 552 is connected to driven shaft I 53. Shaft I53 is driven by means hereinafter more particularly described.

- As an adjustment for Width, length or thickness at one part of the machine will require similar adjustments in other parts of the machine, I prefer to connect the various adjustable devices to a common adjusting means. As to the adjustment for thickness which has just been discussed in connection with the kicker mech-' anism, sleeve I 32 rigidly carries a sprocket I54 (see Fig. 2). Sprocket l5'4 connects with sprocket I55 by means of chain I56. Sprocket I55 is connected with bevel gears I51 and thereby with control shaft I58. Control shaft I58 is disposed so that connections thereto can be made to structures needing adjustment where panels of different thicknesses are being run.

Shaft I34 rigidly carries sprocket I59 which is connected by chain- I88 with sprocket I8I:

Sprocket It! is connected by bevel gears I62 to control shaft I53. Control shaft IE3 is suitably disposed so that variousstructures, needing. ad-..' I

Squeeze rolls 2? and chain conveyor 28 -As a panel has its advancing edge always projected the same distance because of the adjustable kicker mechanism 28, the advancing edge will always be engaged'by the squeeze rolls 21.

The squeeze rolls 21 comprise cross shafts I53 and I64 (see Fig. 7). Cross shaft I53 is a driven shaft and is mounted in fixed bearings. Cross shaft 1 64 may be a driven shaft or an idler shaft and is illustrated as an idler shaft and it is floatingly mounted as by meansof a bracket arm I66 (see Fig. 4) on each side of the device. The bracket arms I 55 are each pivoted, as by pivot means I61, to the main frame structure 39. The panel engaging rolls I55 are carried by shafts I53and I54. Shaft I68 is held down by springs or bysuflicient Weight so that the panel passing between top and bottom rolls I65 will be urged by driven lower" rolls' I55 onto the chain conveyor 28. While the top rolls I65 are not shown as being driven rolls, they can be driven in any suitable manner such as that explained in connection with the second squeeze rolls 3| which will be hereinafter described.

The chain conveyor 28 comprises a deck I31 having'longitudinal slots I68 (see Figs. 6 and 7) in which slots are slidably mounted conveyor chains I69 having cleats 29 rigidly secured thereon. The cleats29 are alined transversely of the machine to urge a panel to and past the first brander 38.

The conveyor chains I69'are carried by sprockets HI and I12, carried by shafts I53 and I13 respectively (see Figs. 4, 6 and 7). The conveyor chains I 69 are employed both as conveyor chains and as drive means so that driven shaft I13 drives shaft I53. 7

Driven shaft I13 (see Fig. 4) is connected by chain I14 with shaft I15. Shaft I15 is connected by. bevel gears I16-with shaft I11. Shaft I 11 is connectedto bevel gears I18. Bevel gears I18 interconnects shafts I11 and I19 (see both Figs. land 5) Shaft {I 18 (see Fig. 5) carries sprocket I which is connected by chain I8I to motor I82. Shafts I11 and I19 function to drive substantially all of the various parts of themechanism and will hereafter be referred to as main driving shafts and their connection through sprocket I88'and chain I8I to motor I82 will not be repeated.

' I .First brander 30 :.As the device may handle stacks of panels where each panel of the stack has common dimensions but different stacks do not have panels of the dimensions found in other stacks, adjustments must be made in the first brander to-'tak'e. care of branding panels of different lengths. -Also, it is desirable that the panels be branded uniformly so far as their thickness is concerned and. .hence adjustments should be made. totake' care of panels of different thicknesses. Also,.,it is desirable that. the brands bear a definite relationto the trailing edge of each panel.

As the drive for the kicker 26 is taken off of shaft, I53 and as shaft I53 is driven by the conveyor chains I59, obviously the kicker arms I43 will travel synchronously with the cleats 29, and one-panel will be" presented for each setof cleats 2.9.;-:,Also,*as the panels are being urged from their trailing edge portions by cleats 29', there. will be a direct relation to the positionsof .the brands made by the first brander 39' and the trailing edges of each panel. For some widths of panels the first brand on the end edges may be a partial brand but each panel of. agiven width will have the same partial or complete brand on the leading edge. This permits the panels to be stacked and the brands on the end edges will be in. vertical alinement. Such arrangement is preferable for optimumresults so far as appearance is concerned.

The first brander 39 comprises two spaced apart brander heads. These are relatively adjustable toward and away from each other which may be accomplished by moving either or both. In the drawingsl have shown that the brander 39, to the right in Fig. 2, is adjustable toward and away from the brander 3D to the left. The two branders so for branding the end edges of a panel may be identical with. the: two spaced apart brander's 35 for branding, the side edges of a panel. Thus the branders 39 and 35- are only somewhat diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 2 and the details of one of. the branders are shown in Figs. 13' to 18 inclusive. The branders 35 are mounted for relative movement toward and away from each other similar to the branders 39. Inview of the foregoing the description of the branders will be directed primarily to a movable brander.

Referring to Fig. 3, and to Fig. 19 (which shows an enlarged fragment of parts of Fig. 3), andto- Figs. 13 to 18 inclusive, cross shafts I53 to I89 inclusive mount both branders 39. Each brander. comprisesa cross frame I81 which isslidabl on shafts I35 and- IGB. Shafts I85 and I86 are supported by the main structure 39 and thus are fixed. Thus cross frame I8! is fixed'in elevation. but is movable transversely with frame I83. The cross frame I88 is mounted for sliding movement transversely of the machine on cross shafts I83 and. I84. Panel supporting roll I89 is carried by the frame I87 and thus supports all panels at a common level at the bottom. The frame I88 is relatively vertically movable toward and away from frame I81 by structure best shown in Figs. 3 and 19. Longitudinal frame means I90 on each side of the device (as shown in Figs 3 and are carried by brackets I9I (see Fig. 3). Brackets I9! are pivotally supported by bell cranks I92 which bell cranks are pivoted tothe main frame 39 by pivots I93. The other. ends of hell cranks I92 are interconnected by link I94. Thus We have a pantograph construction and upon longitudinal movement of link I94 in one direction, the. frame I58 is lowered and upon movement of. said link I94 in the opposite direction; frame I83 is raised. Anadjusting means for, longitudinally moving link. 59d is indicated generally by I95in Fig. 3'andthe details thereof: areshown in Fig. 19. The link I94 is rigidly con.- nectedwith a screw Hit and screw I96 threadedly. carries worm wheel I97. Worm wheel. I9! is mountedfor rotationand side thrust is prevented. by thrust means I98 fromeof the machine. Worm wheel. I91 threade'dly engages worm. I99. rigid on shaft I58. Shaft I58 was described in connection with the elevator and provides a common means to adjust various parts of the device where an adjustment for thickness of stock is required. As both brander heads 33 have their vertically movable portions supported on cross shafts I93 and I84 and as cross shafts I83 and Ida movevertically with. frame connected with the main" means I and brackets I9'I, both branders are vertically movable from a common source.

Referring again to Figs. 1-3to 18 inclusive, the frames I38 of each brander rotatably mount panel hold-down feed rolls 299. Also the frames I38 of each brander rotatably support shafts 2iiI. Shafts 29I carry heater means for the branders which are preferably in the nature of transformers 292. The primary of these transformers is fed from any suitabl source of electricity via slip ring and brush means 203. The secondary of thetransformers 2-02 is closed through arcuate shaped brander elements 294. By the use of transformers 292 high voltageand low amperage energy can-be fed via brush and slip ring means 293 and high amperage low Voltage energy will be available from the secondary to heat brander elementsZ-M. The shaft 29! of each brander is mounted for rotary movement so that the brander elements 294 are in synchronism with the cleats 2-9. This may be accomplished by bevel gears 2'05 interconnecting shafts 201' and 286. As one of the branders 39 is movable, the shaft 266 may be in the nature. of a square shaft so that the bevel gear 205 which is powered from shaft 256 can move longitudinally of the shaft 295 and still be driven by said shaft 206. The frame I88 floatingly supports panelhold-down feed roll 200 by spring pressed parallel link means 201. While there may be any number of brander elements 204,- I have shown two brander elements and a transformer for each brander element. The brander elements 264 are connected by bus bars 2H8v with a transformer 292. The brander elements 28 5 are preferably interconnected by insulation material to form a common unit as shown. 7

Th brander which is movable has its frame I38 resiliently connected to a bracket 209 which threadedly' engages adjusting screw 2 I 9 (see Figs. 13 and 16). The" resilient means 2II between the frame I88 and the bracket 299 permits some movement of: the frame I88 as panels are passing the. brand'ers without this movement being reflected .to the adjusting. screw 2I0. The adjusting screw ZID preferably engages with only one of the branders 39and the frame I88 of the other brander is fixed against crosswise movement.

Referring to Figs. 2, 4 and 13, screw 2H is journaled in the main frame and is provided with suitable thrust hearings to prevent longitudinalmovement thereof. The screw 2 I 9 mounts sprockets 2I2 (Figs. 2, 3 and 4) and sprocket 2I2 mounts. chain 2I3 (Figs. 2' and 4). Chain 2I3 is driven by shaft 2M. Shaft 2I4 is connected by bevel gears 2I5 to shaft 2I9. Shaft 2I6 is connected with the various structures of the machine to provide for an adjustment for length of panel. The means to rotate shaft 2l6 in either direction which adjusts various parts for length, the means to rotate shaft I58 in either direction which adjusts various parts for thickness,,and the means to rotate shaft I63 in either direction. which adjusts various parts for width, are disposed in; housing 2I'I shown in Fig. 2 and shownin detail in Figs; 20, 21 and.22. The structure involved in Figs. 20, 21 and 22 will be hereinafter described.

Shaft I13 is driven as previously described and shaft H3 drives shaft 256 by means of sprocket and chain means 2I8, appearing to the left of Figs. 2 and 3 and toward the mid portion of Fig. 4. Also, as indicated toward the mid portion of Fig; 4, idler sprockets 2 I9 may be employed.

. I3; Squeeze rolls 31 and: conveyor thereto A panelsare. delivered; from the first brander 36; they are delivered to a conveyor comprising belts 226., The belts226 to the right, as shown i Fe lini s- 2 a hort r haniho e o t e l ft o. pe m t, the, djustab e r e 3. to. o b

tween the belts 220 and conveyorchains I69; The

link belt means. Referring to Fig.4, the shaft I19; 7 (one of the main power shafts) functions as a source, of'power and drives sprocket 223. Sprocket 223 drives sprocket 225 by way of chain 225; I

Sprocket 2'24 drives shaft 222 and-in turn belts 2 26. The upper squeeze rolls (i. e'., the: upper rolls of thosereferred to as squeeze rolls 3! in Fig. 1) j and numbered 226 in Fig, 4. aremounted on a, cross shaft '22]: Cross shaft 22] is fioatingly mounted by spaced links 228 pivoted to the mainv frame by a cross shaft 229. Sufficient weight may be provided inlinks 228' or resilient hold down means provided in connection therewith so that the upper squeeze rol ls 225 will provide. the desired frictional engagement with panels. Chain 236 is. mounted on sprocket 23I and on sprocket 232 which is supported from the main frame structure 39. Sprocket 233 on shaft 229 is con nected to sprocket 234 carried by shaft 221' by means of chain 235. Sprocket. 233; carries a sprocket'236 andfsprocket 2-36.v engages one lap of chain 236". Thus the upper squeeze rolls 225' and belts 2211 are driven. This same construction may be employed in connection with the squeeze rolls 2'! (so marked in Fig. 1)" which are mounted on shafts I53 and.v I64 to drive both ofsaid shafts.

Referring now to Fig- 1, branded stock leaving the first brander 361s transferred by belts. 22t to squeeze rolls 3| and by reason of driven, squeeze rolls 3| the stock, having its end edges branded.

is delivered to the direction changer 32.

Direction changer 32 This direction. hanger. 32, is. shownin plan n. theupper lerthand. c r er oiF s. 2.. in nd l' vae i owardv th left of F and inthe up portion of, Fig. 1. This direction changes 32. comprises, spaced shafts 23"! and 23,8 mounting. sprockets 239 and 240., Theshafts 231 and. 23.8.. are journaled in the main frame means 39; Chains 3 3 are mounted, on, snrockc slfis. and, 240. A deck 24! is. provided on whichpanels may s i e.- S a s or cleats, s4. are car edv by h s '3 and slidev on t e; deck. 2- shaftizti d n. ur th ains 3 3;a d-thes at or. l at. r driven by chain .1 mount d on pr ckin Fig. 2

r 14 which carries sprockets; 250' is connected with a worm wheel 25!. The worm wheel 25! engages worm 252 on shaft 253;. Shaft, 253' is connected by bevel gears 254 to shaft 255- (shown in, plan Shaft 255 is connected by bev l gears 256 to shaft I63 -(see Fig. 2.). The shaft [63 is. provided with universal joints 251 (see; elevation, Fig. 4). to. provide the shaft 163 at,

the appropriate levels. However, for functional purposes. the shaft. I63 is a continuous shaft. q

Upon rotation ofthe. shaft H33 in the proper di-; rectionthechain. 248. will be moved so that the stop 245 will be. moved toward-the left or they right as viewed in Fig. 4 to accommodate panels of a predetermined width. The end portion of the stop 245 under which the slat 34 first travels overhangs the shaft 238 so that the slat 34 will alwaystravel under stop 24.5 as the slat travels upwardly and around sprockets 2M! .and then to ward: the right as viewed in Fig.1. As appears in Fig. 2 in conjunction with Fig.4, the stop 245 is mounted at its end portions and floats on thedeck '2; Thus slat 3 4 first lifts one end portion of thestop 245 and as it slides theret nd- 4. m n ed; pective shafts.

dv 1 haft 16 is a ri Shaft; as p er nslr' xh a ne ir r j r s i esir d. o. ease sends ut; of the. irect on h n r en th se. o P nels. and: against one edge of the direction changenretively movable toward and w y from each other I a s o the i h a pane n adjustable stop 245 is provided. This adjustable stop has each end portion. pivoted to a link 2'45'and the links in turn are pivotal-1y connected: with slides 24! mounted for sliding. adjustable movementin the main frame 39'; Each slide. 2A1 (see Figs) is connected with achain'24'8. The chains are 7. underit finally drops the leadingv portion of the-stop-245 and then lifts the trailing portion of; the stop 245;. Thus: the stop 245 will function to stop panels in accordance with its adjusted. position and at the same time the. slat 34 moves panels along the deck-24|.

Second brander '35 'Panels leaving the direction changer 32 and which are being urged by a slat 34 are delivered onto driven conveyor rolls 258 (see Figs. 2- and 5).

Theserolls aremounted on shafts 259 and shafts 259 are interconnected by a chain 260. One of the shafts 259 carries a sprocket 25f which is conon shaft 261. Shaft 261 is the counterpart of shaft 266. As described in connection with shaft 203' and particularly in'connection with Figs. 3, and 13, to 18 inclusive, shaft 206 was the driving shaftfor driving the brander heads and permitting relative lateral adjustment between the brander heads. Thus it is believed that no furtherdetailed description need be given of the means to drive the brander heads 35 as the parts described in connection with the branders as on shaft 265 can be duplicated and driven by the square shaft 261 and the driving means therefor just described.

Also, the brander heads 35 are relatively movable toward and away from each other and are adjustable for thickness. As to the means for adjusting one of the brander heads 35 toward and away from the, other, it is to be remembered that 13' to 15 inclusive) the brander' heads were relaso far as length is concerned in connection with the first brander- 30. Similar construction obtains in connection with the second brander heads 35 and theyare movable toward and away from 7% each other by rotation of adjusting screw 26B.

Screw 26,6 functions similarly to screw 2H of the first brander 36 to move the brander heads relative to each other. However, as we have the I vidth rather than the length of the panels inmounted on sprockets 249" and 256; The shaft n volved in branders 35, the screw 268' isdriven by different means than was screw 210. Screw 263 is connected by a chain 239 with the shaft 153. The shaft 153 adjusts the various parts of the mechanism for width. Thus by connecting the screw 253 which is connected with one of the two branders 35, these second branders 35 will be movable relatively toward and away from each other to accommodate panels of a predetermined width. The second branders 35 are mounted on mechanism which is a duplicate of that shown in Fig, 3. In view of this, the'details as to the mounting of the second brander are only in part shown. Referring to Fig. the worm 210 has the same function as worm 533 of Fig. 19. The worm wheel 211 has the same function as worm wheel 131. Worm 210 is mounted on shaft 212 which is connected by bevel gears 213 with shaft 150. Shaft 158 is the shaft which adjusts the various parts of the mechanism for thickness. Thus upon rotation of shaft 158 the secondary branders 35 also will be adjusted for thickness.

Belt conveyor 36 Material leaving the second branders 35 is conveyed by ofi-bearing conveyor belts 36 to any suitable means such as a stacker 31. The belt conveyor 36 comprises shafts 214 and 215 (see particularly Fig. 5) journaled in the main frame and belt members 216 carried by pulleys on said shafts 214 and 215. driven by sprocket and chain means 211 connected with one of said shafts as 215. Sprocket and chain means 211 are connected with a shaft 218 (see Fig. 2). Shaft 21% is connected by bevel gears 219 (see Fig. 5) with main power shaft 119. Thus material discharged from second brander 35 is removed by off-bearing conveyor belt 33 to any suitable location as to stacker 31.

Stacker 37 As the panels are guided by the stop 245 they will always be toward the side of the machine nearest to the viewer in Fig. 1. Hence there need be no adjustment for the width of the panels in the stacker 31. However, the panels of a given stack may be of difierent lengths and hence stop means adjustable for the length of the panels is preferably provided so that the panels are stacked in a uniform stack in the stacker 31. This stop means comprises a transverse stop frame 280 (see Figs. 1, 2 and 5) provided with spaced apart sleeves 235 slidable on spaced apart shafts 282. The transverse stop frame 203 has its end portions connected with endless chains 233. Endless chains 283 are mounted on sprockets 284 and 285 (see particularly Fig. 2). Sprockets 284 are mounted on cross shaft 283 and sprockets 285 are mounted on cross shaft 281. Cross shaft 281 carries a worm wheel 288 (see particularly Fig. 5) which meshes with worm 283. Worm 280 is mounted on shaft 230 and shaft 233 is connected by bevel gears 231 (see particularly Figs, 4 and 5) with the shaft 216 which controls the adjustment of the various parts of the apparatus for a length dimension.

The stacker 31 comprises an elevator stacker platform 232 (see Fig. l.) which has a plurality of openings 233 which may pass downwardly past rolls 234 so that when the elevator stacker plat- The shafts 214 and 215 are form 292 is in its lowest position a stack of panels 10 can be delivered from the stacker 31 and the stack will be supported by the rolls 294 so that the stack can be rolled out of the stacker.

The elevator stacker platform 292 is supported by four chains 295 preferably at the corners of I switch 323.

the platform. These chains 295 have their lower ends mounted on idle sprockets 293. Longitudinally extending shaft 291 supports sprockets 298 on which are mounted two of the chains 295. Another longitudinally extending shaft 233 carries sprockets 300 and said sprockets 303 mount the other two chains 295. The shafts 291 and 293 are interconnected as by chain 301 and sprockets 302. One of the sprockets 302 is connected by a chain 303 With a motor 304. As the motor 304 is driven in one direction the stacker platform 292 raises and as the motor 304 is driven in the opposite direction the stacker platform 292 is lowered.

The means for controlling motor 304 are best illustrated in the wiring diagram, Fig. 23. In said figure the source of energy is indicated as polyphase, such as three phase. Obviously,'the wiring diagram can be changed to permit the use of other types of electrical energy. Also, in said figure a fragment of the top of a stack of panels in the stacker 31 is indicated by 305. A fragment of the elevator stacker platform 2.32 is also diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 23. Generally considered it is desired that the elevator stacker platform 292 will come to rest at the bottom so that a stack of panels can be removed as they are supported on rolls 294 and then by manual manipulation the elevator stacker platform 292 will go through a complete cycle and come to rest again at the bottom when a complete stack of panels is disposed thereon. Thus, generally speaking, the elevator will rise until it reaches its topmost position. Then as panels are delivered onto the stacker the elevator will progressively descend without further manual manipulation until it is completely loaded with a stack of panels and then We will have reached the end of a cycle.

Referring now more specifically to the wiring diagram, a source of electrical energy is indicated by conductors 306, 301, and 308. A main switch 309 is preferably provided. The conductors before and after the main switch 309 are given similar numbers. A relay controlled switch 310 controls energy to motor 304 during the down movement of elevator stacker platform 292 and relay control switch 311 controls upward movement of the elevator stacker platform 2.32.

Assuming that the platform is down and the stack of panels loaded thereon during the previou cycle have been removed, motor 304 may be caused to rotate in the proper direction upon closing of switch 311 which is controlled by the following control circuit. Commencing with energy on conductor 301, the same is connected with conductor 312. Conductor 313 connects with conductor 312 and with the relay of switch 311. The relay of switch 311 is connected with conductor 314. Conductor 314 is connected with momentary contact switch 315. Switch 315 is of the usual industrial start type so that it is normally open and may be depressed to provide a momentary contact. When switch 315 is momentarily depressed energy will pass from conductor 314 through switch 315 to conductor 316. Relay switch 311 is spring loaded and when not under the influence of external forces is of a type so that blade 318 thereof normally provides a contact between conductors 319 and 320. As the elevator stacker platform 292 moves to its lowermost position it moves the blade 318 to provide an electrical connection between conductors 321 and 322. Conductor 322 connects with relay Switch 323 is spring, loaded and when not subject to other forces its blade 324 doctor 314 through switch 326 to conductor 321 and through stop switch 328 to conductor 316. switch 328 is the usual industrial stop type or switch and normally closes a circuit between conductors 316 and 321 and may be momentarily depress'e'zd to interrupt a circuit between suchcondoctors. Thus the relay or holding coil of switch 311 will maintain switch- 311' closed once the circuit has been closed by depressing of switch 315 under the conditions mentioned. Also, the cir 'iiit through the holding coil of switch 31 1 passes through switc es 31'! and 323 and the circuit can hejintirupted by a change in the position of ith'i Switches 311 '01 323.

The switch 311 has a relay or holding coil therein and the switch 311 will maintain its blade 318 interconnecting conductors 321 and 322 as long as the following circuit is maintained. This circuit commences with conductor 3 I 2 and thence to conductor 329 as previously exp ained. Energy on conductor 329 passes through the holding coil or may of switch 311 and thence to conductor 322. As the blade 324 or switches 323 interconnectsconduotors 322 and 325 (when not subjected to other forces), the holding coil of the switch =31! win he energized even though the elevator stacker platform 292 moves upwardly and does not urge the blade 318 of the switch 311 to connect conductors 321 and 322. Thus once the elevator starts to rise it will continue to rise until the'blade 324 or switch 323 interrupts' connection between conductors 322 and 325. '(jnce the elevator platform 292 has reached the top or its travel it will move switch blade 324 into connection between conductors 330 and 331 and interrupt connection between conductors322 and 32's. iipon interruption or connection between connectors 322 and 32's the relay or switch an will be (lo-energized and switch on w n open. Also, the holding coil or switch an will be deenergized and blade 318 will provide connection Between conductors 319 and 320.

Switch 332 has an am 333 in aposition to ride on the top of a stack of panels 305" carried by the elevator stacker platform 292. A stop 334 the ultimate ownward movement 01 the arm 333. The switch3'32 is provided with ablade 335 which is spring" loaded so it normally interrupts connection between conductors 33S and 3 3-1. The s'witch'332 has anotherfblade 338 which spring loaded urging blade 338 into electrical conn ction between conductors 339 and 340. The 871311- 333 spring 1oadedor of sumoient weight and when panels are not present to a sufficient height onthe-platforin 292 the arm333 iriov'es the made 338 out or contact between conductors see and 340. As the panelsare delivered onto the platform 2.92 the level thereof omznehoes to rise c using" the arm 3 3 3 to rise and permitting blade the steel; orpaheis rises further then arm 333 movesblade 335 into connection between cond'uctor"33'6 and 331. a r

In seen last mentioned position-- of the arm 333; energy from conductor-391 passe along conductor in through the relay or holding coil or switch 310 and thence to conductor 342. con: ductor 342 is connected with connector 331. as blade 335 interconnects conductors 33? and 336, energy on conductor 33! is connected with con"- ductor 333 and thence to conductor 333. As the platform 292 in moving its upper position moved blade 324 to interconnect conductors 333 an 331, energy on conductor 33E passes to con-'- duster 331, thence to conductor 3'25, and thence to conductor 333. Thus as the panel's delivered to the stacker raise the height of the stack to alevel to mote arm 333 upwardly and to inter: connect conductors 336 and 337 by way or blade 33 5, a circuit was energized which included the relay or si vitch fle and the motor 394 is driven in a direction to move the platform 292 down warms, r

In order that the hiotor 394 can travel a suite able distance each time it is energized-rather than being continuously intermittently oper ated; a circuit is provided through blade 338 to maintain the circuit for a predetermined period of travel, such as 47, once the cirouitlias been Closed throug'll'blade 335.

The last mentioned circuit commences with conductor 342 which is connected with conductor 343. As previously stated the relay or holding coil or switch 310 is energized and hence switch 344 interconnects; conductors 343 and 343.- cohducti' 340 is connected to c'ondllcto'r 339 because of the position or blade 338. Thus onto-the platform 292 starts downwardly because of the position of blade 335 it will continue to move downwardly until arm 333 movies blade 338 out of connection between conductors 340 and 339 Thus by the use of blades 3'35 and 338 the elevator can be moves downwardly and it will con tinue'to move downwardly a predetermined dis"- tance such as 4" or any other desired amount. After each amount of predetermined travel downward-1y of the paltforin 232,-the motor 304 will beat rest until enough further panels are delivered'to the stacker to move the blade 335 into contact bel'iwe'en cohdiictors 335 and 337.

This cycle of operation will continue until the platform 292 reaches the extreme bottom of its travel. I

Upon the platform 292 reaching the eirtr'eme "bottom of its travel,- it will move the blade 31-8 out of connection between conductors 3'19 and 32 0 which Willirlteiru'pt the circuit to the holdmg on 01 relay of switch 323 and blald' 324 will interrupt connection between conductors 3'30 and 331 and establish connection between conductors 322 and 325. Q'neconnec'tioh is broken between conductors 339 and 33 1, the relay or switch 31*!) will be deenergized and switch 310 will open. In this position we have completed a cycle anda new cycle can be started in the manner previplatform 292- is raised to its uppermost level and is perodioauy driven downwardly by motor 304 in response to the upper level of panelsrestmg on the platform 292. At times it may be desired to unload the platform 292 manually and when a full load is-not present thereon. I

The circuit to manually energize motor 334 to lower the platform 292 after the same has moved upwardly, comprises a normally open switch 345 disposed between conductors 342 and 324:6. This circuit lay-passes switch 332 and as long as manual switch 345 is closed the platform 2.92 may be caused to continue its descent or tomove down- 19 'wardly after it has been caused to move for its full travel upwardly.

In the various circuits just described electrical interconnections were provided between the blade 324 of switch 323 and the blade 3 I8 of switch 3I1. This is highly desirable but the various holding coils and switches involved can be simplified if desired and a mechanical connection provided so that blade 3l8 is always in its down position when blade 324 is in its down position and vice versa. In other words, when the platform 292 reaches its downmost position switch blades 3l8 and 324 are physically moved to their down positions and are maintained in such position until the platform 292 is moved to its highest position. Then both blades 3l8 and 324 are maintained in their upper positions until the platform 292 reaches its down position and then both are mechanically changed and held through their various positions for each cycle.

Referring now more particularly to Figs.

and 21, shafts I63, I58, 2I6 and I11 are shown as they enter and leave housing 2I1. As previously described, shafts I63, I58, and 2H; control various parts of the apparatus respectively for the width, thickness, and length of the panels of a particular stack. Upon rotation of said shafts I63, I58, and 2l6 in the desired direction and in the desired amount, the device can be adjusted to take care of panels of various dimensions. The shaft I11, as previously described, is the main power shaft.

Shaft I63 floatingly mounts clutch part 341 and said clutch part is rigid with a sprocket 348. The shaft I63 also rotatably mounts clutch part 349 which rigidly carries sprocket 358. Inter- -mediate clutch part I is splined on shaft. I63 and is mounted for longitudinal movement to engage either clutch part 341 or 349. The sprockets 348 and 350 are driven in opposite drections and thus by moving of the clutch part 35I in the desired direction the shaft I63 can be driven in the desired direction. Shaft I63 is geared to dial assembly 352 and the pointers of the dial assembly will thus indicate the amount of rotation of the shaft I63. The dials of said dial assembly 352 can be calibrated so that they will show to feet, inches, and portions thereof, the extent of adjustment which has been made and will indicate that the various parts of the device have been adjusted to take care of a panel of a definite width, such as four feet. The clutch part .35I floatingly carries a yoke 353 carried by a 1 clutch throw-out lever 354. The lever 354 is pivoted to the main structure at 355. The clutch lever 354 is provided with a handle 356 and thus .by movement of the lever 354 in one direction shaft I63 will be rotated clockwise and upon -movement of the lever 354 in the opposite direction the shaft I63 will be rotated counterclockwise.

The shafts I58 and 2l6 carry similar clutches 'and for such reason the clutch parts on shafts I58 and 2I 6 are only in part numbered and only in part further described. Thus clutch handle 351 operates the clutch on shaft I58 and clutch handle 358 operates the clutch on shaft 2I6.

-An idler sprocket 365 is carried by the main frame structure 39 of the machine.

- Main power shaft I11 is driven continuously -to the desired extent.

.313 bearing indicating hand 314.

20 in one direction, such as clockwise, as viewed Fig. 21' of the drawings. A chain 366 is carried by sprockets 348, 36I, 3'65, 363, 359, and 361 and said chain is indicated by a dash line. The reeving of said chain commencing with sprockets 363 is in a clockwise direction with a bight of the chain engaging the sprocket 363, thence to-and in a clockwise direction about sprocket 359; thence to and in a counterclockwise direction about an idler sprocket 361; thence to and in a counterclockwise direction about the sprocket 348; thence to and in a counterclockwise direction about the sprocket 3H; thence to and in a counterclockwise direction about the idler sprocket 365; and thence to and in a clockwise direction about the first mentioned sprocket 363. From the foregoingit will ape pear that if the shaft I63 is connected tothe main power shaft I11 by chain 366 said shaft I 63 will be moved in a counterclockwise direction. Also it will appear that if the shaft I58 is connected with the main power shaft I11 by chain 366, said shaft I58 will be moved in a counterclockwise direction. Also if shaft 2I6 is connected to the main power shaft I11 by chain 366, said shaft 2I6 will be driven in a clockwise direction.

Chain 368 is reeved about sprocket 350 on shaft I63, sprocket 362 on shaft I58, sprocket 360 on shaft 2I'6, and sprocket 364 on shaft I11. The reeving of said chain- 368 commencing with sprocket 364 may be described as passing around sprocket 364 in a clockwise direction; thence to and around sprocket 360 in a counterclockwise direction; thence to-and around sprocket 362 in a clockwise direction; thence to and around sprocket 350 in a clockwise direction; and thence directly to and around sprocket 364 (the sprocket first mentioned) in a clockwise direction. Thus if shaft 2I 6 is connected with main power shaft I11 via chain 368, the same will be driven in a counterclockwise direction. 'If shaft I58 is connected to main power shaft I11 by chain 368, shaft I58 will be driven in a clockwise direction. If shaft I63 is connected to main power shaft I11 by chain 368, said shaft I63 will be driven in a clockwise direction. Upon proper manipulation of the handles 356, 351, or 358, the shafts I63, I 58 and 2 I 6 can be driven in the desired direction and The desired extent of movement of said shafts will be indicated respectively by the dial assemblies 352, 369 and 310. The dial assemblies 352 and 316 will indicate respectively the width or the length of a panel for which the machine has been adjusted andhence a dial assemblyhaving multiple pointers ispreferable so feet, inches and portions of an inch can be readily indicated. on the other hand, the dial 369 merely indicates fractions of aninch to which the machine has been adjusted to accommodate panels of different thicknesses and hence a single pointer dial is sufiicient for the dial as;- sembly 369. The dial assemblies 352,369and 310 are connected in any suitable manner with the respective shafts I63, I58, and 2; as by'gearing.

The dial assemblies 352 and 318 may be duplicates and one thereof, as 352, as indicated in Fig. 22. The shaft 31I (see also Fig. 21) is geared to shaft I63 and is rotatably mounted in the dial housing 312 and carries rotatably mounted shaft Shaft 313 rigidly carries gear 315 which meshes with a suitable reduction gear 316 mounted on shaft 311 which is rotatably mounted in the dial housing 312. Shaft 311 carries dial pointer 318. Gear319 is mounted on shaft 311 and-meshes with suitable meduction gear 380 rigid Onshaft 38 I, which shaft 38I is rotatably mounted in ildial housing 312. shaft 38l carries dialpointer 382. With-the pro- .-vision of suitable reduction gears dial pointer 382 :wil re din fe ton a suitablyc l brat d d al face 318 may r iniinches, and dial p ter .314 i portions of an inch,,such assixteenths. I

-1 In a summary way, in my invention the ele- =va-tor platform 42 of the elevator 25 will-start fromits lowermost position. In such position. a stack of panels 40 is rolled into place over rolls 4|. :Then motor I82 (which drives' the various conv yors andcontr l mechan sm foridimens s ..-i

energized. Also, main switch 309 to the stacker motor 304 is closed. Next, a switch (not shown) is closed to energize conductors 92, 93 and 94 which are in the electrical circuit to motor Bl for elevator 25. Also, energy is provided on slip rings 203 to energize transformer 202 and thus heat the branding elements 204 of branders 30 and 35.

If the stack of panels comprises panels 4' x 8' x then control levers 356, 358, and 351 (Fig. 21) are manipulated so that the various 2 parts of the apparatus are set to take care of elevator 25. There must be an adjustment in the first brander 30 so that the branders thereof are spaced apart to accommodate a panel of a predetermined length. Alsopreferably the branders in such first brander 30 are adjusted so they will brand centrally or at an adjusted position vertically considered for panels of a given thickness. Next, there must be an adjustment in the direction changer 32 so that the stop bar 245 is adjusted for a panel of a predetermined width. Next, there mustbe an adjustment in the second brander 35 so that the brander heads in said brander will take care of panels of a predetermined width and preferably of a predetermined thickness as set forth in connection with the first brander 30. Next, there must be an adjustment of the stop 280 so that panels will be properly alined and stacked in the stacker3l; As before indicated all of these adjustments are made by manipulating of the handles 356, 351, and 358 (Figs. and 21) After all parts have thus been rapidly adjusted, the switch I00 (Fig. 11) can be momentarily closed and the elevator platform 42 will start to rise. The kickers 26 are mechanically linked to the motor I82 which is the common source of power and thus they will reciprocate in timed sequence. Plywood panels, as commonly produced on the market, vary somewhat in thickness and the accumulatedvariation over a four foot stack of panels often runs into approximately a half inch. Thus to compensatefor this variation the elevator platform 42 must be controlled from the position of the top panel so there will always be a panel available to be ejected from the stack by the kickers 26. In addition the plate I H (Fig. 8) is carried by rolls which float on the top of the stack of panels and thus I have provided for precise limiting means which will positively prevent ejection of more than one panel at a time from the stack and into the squeeze rolls 21.

As the chain conveyor 28 is mechanically linked In this connection :toythe common source of power; the: chain conveyor 28 will be'synchronized with'the kickers 26. Thus each panel which is delivered by the squeeze rolls 2! to thechain conveyor 28 will be delivered just in advanceof a setof cleats or lugs 29. As the rotating branders of .the first brander 30,. are mechanically linkedtothe common source of power, the position (longitudinally considered) of the brands on the end edges of 'a panel will bear a definite relation-to the trailing end edge of a panel regardless of the width of panel.

Panels from the first brander 30' are delivered via squeezerolls M to the direction changer 32 and just in. advance of traveling slats 34. The traveling'slats 34 are also mechanically linkedto the common source of power and thus there will always be a slat 34 to engage behind each panel which is delivered to the direction changer 32.

As the slats 34 advance a panel past the branders of second brander 35 there will bea definite relation, (longitudinally considered) between the brands on the side edges of a panel and the trailing side end of a panel as the branders of the second brander 35 are mechanically linked to the common source of power.

Panels leaving the second brander 35 can be delivered to any suitable location and are preferably delivered to the stacker 3! which operates automatically through a cycle to receive one stack of panels. As the normal position of the stacker at the end of its cycle is in a down position, of course the switch 3l5 (Fig. 23) should be momentarily closed before panels are permitted to pass through the machine so that the stacker platform will be in an upper position. As panels are delivered to the stacker 31, the stacker will automatically periodically lower in response to incoming panels thereon.

After the panels have been exhausted from the elevator 25, the elevator 25 will automatically move to a down position and preferably move loaded. The platform 292 of the stacker 31 at the end of its cycle is at the bottom position to permit safe unloading of a stack of panels from the stacker 31. Obviously, the switch 315 (Fig. 23) controlling the stacker 3'! should always be closed momentarily first before the switch I00 (Fig. 11) controlling the elevator 25 is closed.

' Obviously, changes may be made in the dimensions, arrangements, and parts of my invention without departing from the principle thereof, the above setting forth only preferred forms of embodiment of my invention.

I claim:

A device for branding plywood panels of different dimensions comprising spaced apart rotatable brander head means; horizontally adjustable brander head supporting means supporting both said brander head means for relative movement toward and away from each other to thereby aclength, in their direction of travel between said second brander head means; and second transfer means for changing the direction of travel of said panels and conveying said panels past, between and in end edge contact with both said second brander head means.

DALE L. SCHUBERT.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name, Date 368,253 Swift Aug; 16, 1887 1,288,082 McDonough Dec. 17, 1918 McDonough Dec. '17, 1918 Number 

